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Abstract #0519

Optimizing the Inversion Efficiency of Pseudo-Continuous ASL Pulse Sequence Using B0 Field Map Information

Hesamoddin Jahanian1,2, Douglas C. Noll1,2, Luis Hernandez-Garcia1,2

1Functional MRI Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States


The recent introduction of pseudo-continuous inversion pulses (pCASL) has the potential to greatly facilitate the use of continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL). However, field inhomogeneities, can compromise the tagging efficiency of pCASL, which causes loss in SNR and severe quantification error. We propose a method to restore the loss in labeling efficiency by correcting the phase of the RF pulses in combination with a z-shimming scheme. This will provide more robust perfusion measurements than the conventional pseudo-continuous technique. The method is demonstrated using numerical simulation and In-vivo data.